My first observation was that this recorder was a bit heavy, weighing in at almost 5 lbs, but if you are planning on using it instead of a computer-based recording system it is about the same as a laptop and mixer. The recording controls are clear and make using the functions very intuitive. Anyone who knows me knows that I like to dive right in and start pushing buttons and try to figure out how something works without having to read a guide. I had no problem creating my first recording right out of the box: power button ✓, headphone jack ✓, record button ✓, play/pause button ✓, stop ✓. On a side note, I really liked the subtle coloring of the illuminated controls making them easy to see but not distracting to others.

Let’s look at some of the setup features, where this unit really shines head and shoulders above the others:

Two recording file formats: MP3 and WAV with selectable Bit Rates and Sample Rates. The standard choices are selected by default.

Automatic leveling, meaning that your highs and lows are recorded at a more even level.

Option to use external microphones or select the built-in microphones.

Automatic start record.

User defined perimeters for file naming.

The recording process is straightforward and easy to use with features similar to what we are accustomed to seeing and using in most of the computer-based recording systems that we are familiar with. The illumination around the record button changes colors indicating recording or not recording with an added feature of flashing when the recording is paused. I must say that the screen is what caught my attention. All of the information a user would want to know about their recording is clearly displayed on the touch screen: time of day, name of recording, when the recording was started, record level settings, and a graphic LED display of the recording levels.

The PMR61 was easy enough for me to use to fully evaluate all of its features and functionality, but I wanted to know more about the company. I had a telephone interview with them followed up with a Q&A by e-mail. Here is what they had to say:

Superscope is not a new company, but the name may be new to some of our readers. Can you give us a brief history of Superscope and their contributions to the recording industry over the years?

Superscope actually started in 1954 by developing a wide screen movie format that competed with Cinemascope and others, and later in 1957 became the exclusive distributor in the U.S. for Sony stereo tape recorders. In 1964, Superscope acquired Marantz and developed, marketed, and sold a product portfolio of analog audio recording and playback products using the Superscope and Marantz brands that peaked in worldwide sales in the mid 70’s.

In the 1980s Superscope released the Marantz PMD series of Professional Tape Recorders, which quickly became the standard for professional tape recorders in numerous market categories, including government (which included Court Reporters), broadcast, education, and music. The worldwide expansion of the Marantz Professional brand and the PMD series of products continued throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, which included professional CD Recorders, and the first generation of Solid-State Recorders.

In 2000 Superscope developed and introduced the PSD series of products which included CD/Digital Recorders and Players designed with innovative music practice tools for musicians and music educators, which today are still very popular with both private and public music teachers, as well as musicians.

In 2016, Superscope introduced the PMR61, the first of a new series of professional digital audio recorders designed for business professionals.

When Superscope was developing the PMR61, who was your target audience?

Busy professionals that are seeking a professional, dependable digital audio recorder that’s easy to set up and operate.

How do you envision the PMR61 will be used for recording?

We’re targeting replacement of typical handheld devices and laptop/software solutions with a sturdy, table-top design, operated intuitively like a smart phone yet integrated with the necessary I/O’s and features required for a wide range of professional audio recording applications.

The PMR61 is a feature rich, stand-alone recorder. In your opinion, what are its strongest features?

Early customers tell us…

PMR’s design and touchscreen offer the most intuitive operation ever found in an audio recorder.

Record Check feature (patent pending) automatically determines input gain and record levels prior to beginning a recording session. So now, even nontechnical operators can get great sounding recordings.

Redundant power from AC and batteries that are charged internally provides flexibility and assurance.

Is Superscope working on any other products that you would like to share with our readers?

Yes. We’re very excited about the PMR platform. A number of new solutions are planned to meet the needs of the quickly evolving Pro AV and IoT (Internet of Things) markets.

Is there something that you would like to share with our readers about Superscope and the PMR61 that we have not covered?

Superscope is excited to be serving unique professional markets that recognize what we’re doing to make digital recording simple for everyone. We love talking with and learning from customers so if you have questions or would like to test drive a PMR61, please contact Paul Mathis at pmathis@superscopetechnologies.com.

In conclusion, it is apparent to me that the PMR61 by Superscope was designed with the user in mind. The product is priced a bit on the higher end of the spectrum, but full of features to support the cost. I look forward to seeing more of their offerings in the future.